The CSN-A2 thermal printer is similar to what you would find on a credit-card POS machine. With a simple serial UART (TTL) interface, this unit has the ablity to print strings and bitmap images, as well as generate several different formats of barcodes. It uses a 12V power supply with the maximun current draw of 1.5A.

Printing speed is 50-80mm/s, with a resolution of 8 dots per millimetre (around 384 dots per line) and an effective printing width of 48mm.

The thermal paper that is used in the printer is commonly found in most office supply stationary stores and is sized at 57mm &plusmn0.5mm thick, with a maximun paper roll diameter of 39mm (larger rolls can be made smaller to fit by simply removing some extra paper - this paper can then still be used in the unit, as one does not need to use a 'core' in the paper for it to work with the thermal printer).